Start off on the right paw with your new pup

Did you bring a new puppy into your home this Christmas? Do you
know someone who did? If so, please tear yourself away from those
floppy ears, licking tongues and wiggly tails for this important
message: Now is the time to make proper socialization and training
a priority.

Believe it or not, puppies have a natural window for learning
during their first 16 weeks, which is referred to as a "critical
period" for social development. Experts say that if your puppy is
properly socialized during this crucial time frame, your dog will
be much less likely to develop avoidable behavior problems like
fear and aggression later in life.

(New kittens benefit from proper socialization and training too.
Look for an upcoming column on raising good kittens this
spring.)

Can you train a dog after this window closes at about four
months? Sure, but it is infinitely easier and more beneficial to
you and your dog if you start off on the right paw from the very
beginning. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention.
Well, this statement certainly is true when it comes to raising
your new puppy. After all, why would you want to spend time fixing
your dog's eventual behavior challenges if you can easily avoid
problems right from the start?

So what is a responsible new puppy parent to do? Enroll in a
"dog-friendly" puppy class today! Here you will find answers to
every puppy-raising question you can imagine, while at the same
time, your puppy will be properly socialized to other animals,
people and new circumstances. This will help your pup learn to be
calm and confident in all the many types of situations dogs
encounter.

Remember dog training methods vary drastically, so investigate
your options carefully. Today's best and most effective trainers
eschew any type of corrections and employ only "dog-friendly"
methods. This means there should be no yelling, leash pulling,
"scruffing," hitting, or punishment of any kind. Instead, training
methods should focus on building the relationship between you and
your pup, so that your new puppy can view you as a safe and trusted
leader.

On that note, a local coalition of members of the Association of
Pet Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com) are launching new sessions of
"dog-friendly" puppy classes all over San Diego County starting the
first week of January. And they've got some great advice for puppy
parents.

"Good puppy classes bring out the best in all puppies," says
certified pet dog trainer Madeline Gabriel, "so make sure puppy
playtime in puppy class is controlled to prevent bully puppies from
getting better at bullying and shy puppies from confirming their
fears."

Gabriel continues, "Puppies should not be forced to do anything
to 'build their confidence,' " and advises pet parents who notice
their pups acting shy or afraid or reacting to new things by
barking, to stop what they are doing and seek help. "This is not
'socializing'; this is your puppy practicing being afraid."

Nan Arthur of wholedogtraining.com counsels pet parents to find
a puppy class that centers on building a strong relationship
between pet parent and pup. She says, "Look for a class that
emphasizes understanding your puppy and building communication. A
good life with a dog encompasses much more than learning
'commands.' "

Here are some local puppy classes beginning this week. Call for
enrollment information:

Gabriel also recommends Karen Pryor's "Puppy Magic" video and
Dr. Ian Dunbar's book, "Before and After You Get Your Puppy," for
pet parents who want to get a head start with their new
puppies.

Gigi Bacon Theberge of Carlsbad has been an animal welfare
volunteer and served as director of public relations for the San
Diego Humane Society and SPCA. Contact her at
gigibt@gmail.com
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nctimes.com.